Courses Offered

Landscape Ecology (NRES 810/HORT 812)

This course is about recognizing and understanding the causes and effects of landscape heterogeneity, quantifying landscape patterns, relating landscape patterns to ecological processes, and ultimately, addressing grand challenges in landscape systems through contributions to the science of landscape ecology. During this course, we will focus on investigating heterogeneity and pattern–process relationships in landscapes, including how to identify, characterize, and track spatial patterns and relate them to populations, communities, and ecosystem processes at multiple scales. Both theoretical and applied aspects of landscape ecology are explored through lectures, computer labs, and a final group project (preparation and submission of a peer-reviewed manuscript). Students will leave this course with applicable knowledge of prominent aspects of landscape ecology. This course may be most valuable to graduate students in agriculture, natural resource science, remote sensing, spatial science, and related fields.

Course prerequisites: Graduate standing

Foundations of Ecological Resilience (NRES 902)

The focus of this course will be on the understanding of the concept of resilience, especially ecological resilience, and other concepts associated with resilience theory. We will explore both theoretical and applied aspects of ecological resilience and the development of resilience theory. Students will develop and complete a project of their own design focusing on resilience. Upon completion of this course, students will have knowledge of a number of prominent issues in resilience science and be able to apply resilience thinking to address practical problems in natural resource management. This class will be taught with discussions, lectures and a project. Project time will be devoted to determining, developing, researching, critiquing and writing.

Course prerequisites: Graduate standing

Great Plains Ecosystems (AGRO 440/840, NRES 440/840, RNGE 440)

This course broadly covers the characteristics of Great Plains ecosystems—what they are, where they are, and how they are shaped by pattern–process interactions in landscape systems. Our goals are to: recognize the Great Plains as an ecologically distinct region; relate past, present, and future ecosystem patterns to landscape system processes; and appreciate the past, present, and future roles of people in shaping Great Plains ecosystems.

Course prerequisites: none

Introduction to Grassland Ecology and Management (AGRO/NRES 245)

A course in grassland ecology and management is relevant to students with education and career goals in managing natural resources in Nebraska and the Great Plains. About 50% of the land area in Nebraska is classified as grassland (or rangeland) and is the land type with the most opportunity for enhancing biodiversity and wildlife habitat. This course will focus on the application of ecological principles and social values to managing rangeland resources. Students will develop a knowledge and appreciation for the various grassland management uses and techniques available to resource managers.

Course prerequisites: Undergraduate course in introductory soils (AGRO/SOIL 153)

Syllabus (Coming Soon)